University Christmas traditions: During the holiday season, a number of institutions are well known throughout the world for converting their historic campuses into enchanted settings. The University of Oxford, well-known for its early holiday custom known as "Oxmas," stands at the top of the list.
Students assemble for medieval feasts on November 25th, which include candlelit choral services in old churches and the famous Boar's Head Carol. Equally captivating is its competitor, the University of Cambridge, which hosts the renowned "Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols" at King's College Chapel, a custom that is televised to millions of people every Christmas Eve.
With its enormous tree beneath its Golden Dome and its peaceful, candlelight Grotto, the University of Notre Dame in the United States provides a profoundly solemn experience. Harvard Square becomes a "Sparklefest" of markets and art, while Harvard University combines ivy-league charm with its yearly Christmas Carol Service, the oldest in America.
The "Purdue Christmas Show," a vibrant musical extravaganza that has been presented at Purdue University for more than 90 years, is one of the biggest college productions.
The University of Bologna is renowned across Europe for its yearly Santa Lucia Fair, which is held beneath historic medieval porticoes, and its artist-designed light installations along Via Zamboni. These establishments create a seasonal environment that is reminiscent of a storybook by fusing rich cultural customs with centuries-old architecture.
Top Universities in the World Known for Magical Christmas Celebrations
While many institutions welcome the winter, a few are well known throughout the world for turning their ancient campuses into "magical" settings that resemble scenes from a children's book. These prestigious universities are renowned for their remarkable Christmas festivities and enduring holiday customs.
1. Oxford University (UK)
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Perhaps the most famous place for a "magical" Christmas is Oxford. In order to allow students to celebrate together before the term closes, the university observes "Oxmas" on November 25.
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The atmosphere: Wreaths and fairy lights adorn the 800-year-old limestone colleges.
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Boar's Head Carol: During a well-known feast at Queen's College, a boar's head is dragged into the hall while medieval carols are played.
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Carol Services: World-class candlelit choral services are held at Christ Church Cathedral and New College.
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Bodleian Light Show: Magnificent light projections onto its quadrangles are a common aspect of the old library.
2. Cambridge University (United Kingdom)
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Cambridge provides a classic English Christmas, just like its competitor. A celebration of lights and choral music unites the city and university.
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The atmosphere: The Cambridge Botanic Lights, an illuminated path through the university's Botanic Garden, are set against the striking backdrop of Gothic architecture.
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A Festival of Carols and Nine Lessons: This Christmas Eve ceremony, which takes place in King's College Chapel, is televised to millions of people worldwide.
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The city frequently has ice rinks close to the college campus and a massive Christmas tree maze.
3. Notre Dame University (USA)
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Notre Dame celebrates Christmas with great seriousness and grandeur because it is a Catholic university.
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The atmosphere: The campus is well-known for its enormous Main Building tree, which is situated beneath the recognizable Golden Dome.
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A Carroll Christmas is a cherished custom that has been around for decades and involves caroling and neighborhood get-togethers.
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The Grotto: With hundreds of burning lights, the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes is especially beautiful in the snow.
4. Harvard University (USA)
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In the winter, Harvard Square is a hive of markets, seasonal art, and ivy-league charm.
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The atmosphere: The "Sparklefest" and historic brick structures lead guests through a month-long celebration of the arts.
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Christmas Carol Service: The Memorial Church hosts America's oldest carol service, which has been performed by the Harvard University Choir for more than 115 years.
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Holiday Fair: Local New England crafters participate in one of the oldest "rock and roll" holiday fairs in the United States.
5. Bologna University (Italy)
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The University of Bologna benefits from the city's amazing festive decorations because it is situated in one of Europe's most picturesque medieval cities.
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The atmosphere: Artist-designed light displays adorn the university area, particularly Via Zamboni, with "luminous magic."
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Traditional Cribs (Presepe): Historic nativity scenes can be found around the university area, especially in the Basilica of San Giacomo Maggiore.
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Santa Lucia Fair: A centuries-old market that sells traditional candies and handcrafted figures under the imposing porticoes close to the university.
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